Volume Crime Scrutiny Outcomes
The Volume Crime Scrutiny reports and recommendations are available via this website to look at or download. Go to the Volume Crime Scrutiny page to find out more.
File Quality
One of the key issues that was highlighted as part of the Volume Crime Scrutiny related to file quality.
In the period April 2007 – March 2008, 53% (1,923 out of 3,631) of crime files submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service were of an inadequate standard and were considered ‘insufficient to charge’ (this includes files that were returned for further work and those categorised as ‘no further action’ due to insufficient evidence to charge or not being in the public’s interest). The impact of poor file quality is significant; it leads to the continual waste and poor use of police, CPS and court time, effort and resources.
Positive Outcome
- Jan Berry, Head of the National Reducing Bureaucracy Practitioners Group, highlighted Lincolnshire Police as an example of good practice in reducing the number of files submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service which were subsequently returned for further work.
Corporate approach
The Panel identified that there was a lack of a corporate approach to managing volume crime over the three Divisions e.g. differences in the implementation of local gatekeepers, structures of Crime Management Information Units, supervision policy and job role/job descriptions/salaries. The Panel recognised that this may be due to the variation in levels of criminal activity and the geography/demography of each division, but the inconsistent approach makes strategic management and continuous improvement difficult to implement.
Progress So Far
- The Force conducted an internal review of the Management of Volume Crime and Prisoner Handling that addressed the corporacy issues raised by the Scrutiny Panel. It also identified additional areas for further work.
Training
The Panel recognised that the lack of crime training can lead to poor investigation, poor file preparation and poor levels of confidence in staff which has a clear impact on the overall quality of files. An investment in training of existing and new staff is required if improvements are to be realised.
Positive Outcome
- All officers identified have been trained in the Simple Speedy Summary Justice (‘CJSSS’) Streamlined file process.
- Training has been given to all operational officers, including Custody Sergeants/Supervisors, Inspectors, CID officers and supervisors and all those who work in file building units.
The training delivered the following aims:
- Understand the streamlined file preparation and prosecution process
- Reduce the quantity of statements
- Reduce paperwork and bureaucracy
- Free up officer time and improve quality of service
- Ensure case file quality by proactive supervision.
Supervision
There were low levels of supervision in the Force, which meant that files were not being routinely checked for quality.
Positive Outcome
- The Force has a training programme in place called Professionalising the Investigation Process (PIP). This programme is a jointly sponsored by ACPO/ NPIA, designed to, 'Improve the professional competence of all police officers and staff who are tasked with conducting investigations'.
- Within PIP uniformed sergeants are now required to evidence their skills in the supervision of investigations in order to achieve their PIP Level 1 accreditation.
- All sergeants have been trained in the new streamlined file submission process and the PIP level 1 training.